Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Maple

Christmas dinner isn’t complete without a few standout sides, and these 4-ingredient roasted brussels sprouts with pancetta and maple syrup are a festive favourite. Combining the earthy, slightly bitter flavour of Brussels sprouts with the rich savouriness of pancetta and the sweetness of maple syrup, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. The secret to this recipe is simple: roast the sprouts in rendered pancetta fat and finish with a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the salty crunch of the pancetta. Let’s break down the recipe and explore why this dish is a must-try for your holiday table.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• The Art of Caramelisation: Elevating the Humble Sprout
• Why Pancetta Makes All the Difference
• Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tips and Tricks
• The Beauty of Maple Syrup
• A Versatile Side Dish for Any Occasion
• Final Thoughts
• More Christmas Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Unsmoked Pancetta: The star of the show, pancetta adds a salty, umami-rich flavour. When cooked, the fat renders down, creating a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender Brussels sprouts.
• Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil helps to start the cooking process and assists in crisping the pancetta. It also ensures the Brussels sprouts roast evenly without sticking to the pan.
• Brussels Sprouts: The base of the dish, these mini cabbages bring a unique, slightly bitter taste. When roasted, they develop a nutty, caramelised flavour, especially when tossed in pancetta fat.
• Maple Syrup: This is where the magic happens! Maple syrup adds a sweet, caramelised finish, turning the crispy pancetta into irresistible ‘bacon candy.’

The Art of Caramelisation: Elevating the Humble Sprout

Caramelisation is what makes this recipe so delicious. When you roast Brussels sprouts at high temperatures, their natural sugars break down, creating a deep, rich flavour. But when you add a layer of maple syrup, the caramelisation takes on a new dimension. The maple syrup coats the sprouts and pancetta, forming a beautiful, sticky glaze that brings a sweet counterpoint to the salty pancetta. This contrast between sweet and savoury is what makes each bite so satisfying.

The process begins with cooking the pancetta in a cold Dutch oven or casserole dish. Starting with a cold pan allows the fat to render slowly, crisping the pancetta without burning it. Once the fat has rendered and the pancetta is crispy, the sprouts are added, coated in the delicious fat. This step is crucial because it ensures every sprout is infused with flavour. A quick roast in the oven caramelises the edges of the sprouts, and the final touch of maple syrup adds a glossy, sticky finish that elevates this dish from everyday side to holiday showstopper.

Why Pancetta Makes All the Difference

Pancetta, often referred to as Italian bacon, differs from the bacon most of us are familiar with. It’s cured but not smoked, which means it adds a depth of flavour without overpowering the dish with smokiness. The fat content in pancetta is also ideal for roasting. As it renders, it creates a rich, savoury base for the Brussels sprouts to soak up. This dish benefits from pancetta’s more subtle flavour, allowing the sweetness of the maple syrup and the nuttiness of the roasted sprouts to shine through.

While you could use bacon as a substitute, the smokiness might overshadow the more delicate flavours in the dish. The beauty of pancetta lies in its ability to enhance without dominating. It brings a sophisticated, nuanced flavour that elevates this side dish to something truly special.

Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tips and Tricks

Roasting Brussels sprouts might seem straightforward, but there are a few tricks to getting them just right:

• Choose Fresh Sprouts: Look for bright green sprouts with tight, compact leaves. Avoid any that have yellowing or are overly large, as these can be tougher and more bitter.
• Halve for Even Roasting: Cutting the Brussels sprouts in half ensures they cook evenly. The cut side caramelises against the hot pan, developing a delicious crust.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting. A wide Dutch oven or casserole dish allows the sprouts to spread out, ensuring each piece gets that golden-brown finish.
• Toss Halfway Through: Roasting for 10 minutes, then tossing ensures that every side of the sprout gets exposure to the hot pan, maximising caramelisation.
• Season Strategically: Pancetta is naturally salty, so go easy on the salt when seasoning the sprouts. A light sprinkle of sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper is all you need.

The Beauty of Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is more than just a sweetener in this recipe—it’s a game-changer. The natural sugars in maple syrup caramelise quickly at high temperatures, adding a beautiful golden-brown colour and a sticky, sweet coating to the Brussels sprouts and pancetta. This not only enhances the overall flavour but also creates a stunning visual appeal, making this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

When drizzling maple syrup, ensure every piece is coated. Return the pan to the oven for a final five minutes to let the syrup work its magic. The result? Caramelised sprouts with crispy edges and pancetta pieces that resemble ‘bacon candy’—sweet, salty, and utterly addictive.

A Versatile Side Dish for Any Occasion

While this recipe shines as a Christmas side, don’t limit it to just the holidays. Brussels sprouts with pancetta and maple syrup can easily become a go-to side dish throughout autumn and winter. Serve it alongside a Sunday roast, or pair it with a rich, creamy risotto for a cosy, comforting meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; it pairs well with both simple and elaborate mains, adding a burst of flavour and a touch of elegance to any table.

Final Thoughts

Brussels sprouts with pancetta and maple syrup bring together the best of both worlds: the savoury richness of pancetta and the sweet, caramelised goodness of maple syrup. This dish is perfect for Christmas dinner, but it’s versatile enough for any meal where you want to impress. The combination of crispy, salty pancetta and tender, caramelised sprouts, all brought together with a touch of maple sweetness, is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new festive favourite!

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll ensure that your Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted every time, and your guests will be asking for seconds. Remember, the secret is in the caramelisation—so don’t skimp on the high heat and that final drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy this festive side dish and make it a memorable part of your holiday feast!

More Christmas Recipes

For more Christmas recipes, check out my Christmas Recipe Collection, where you’ll find a curated selection of festive recipes, perfect for the holiday season. From indulgent mains and comforting sides to delightful desserts and warming drinks, each recipe is crafted to bring joy to your Christmas celebrations.